The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1887-12-16
Death orArcn-Abbot WINNER

Arch Abbot BOniface WINNER, O. :. B.
founder OF the BenedictIne Order In the
United States, died at St Vincents Abby.
WestmOreland county, this State. at 1910
O'Clock or Thursday morning of last week.
after lingering Illness.
The deceased was porn in Bavaria In 1909,
and came to this country in 1916 to establish
the Benedictiue Order. The first monastery
was founded at St. Vincent's, Pa. Since
then colonies have been established in North
Carolina, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia
Illinois. Minnesota, Kansas. and Iowa. On
December %. 1888. Abbot WINNER cele-
brated MS fittieth anniversary OF his monastic
profession, at at the same time Pope Leo,
in appreciation OF nearly forty years of sue
cessful labor In the United Sta:es, raised him
to the dignity of Arch-Ab5ot. The event
vas the most important that has ever taken
place In the Bvnedictine Order on this con-
tinent. AID members were present from all
points OF the globe.
Father Boniface entered the University at
Munich in 1927 with Inclination for the legal
profession. Moved, however, by boiler i'm
pulses, he changed his mind during his philo-
sophical course, and entered the Seminary at
RstisOOn, where, I'm due time, he was called
TO holy orders. On the 3lst OF July. 1881.
the anniversary OF the Spanish saint, lgnatius
Loyola. he was ordained a priest.
From 1888 TO 1876 he performed the Offices
OF priest and professor in the towns Of Eden
stetter and Augsburg, 10 1910 being promoted
to professorshIp in the Louis Gymnasium,
Munich. 10 the meantime there was a vast
increase in the emigration TO America, and
the Germans were clamoring for priests
many OF them having to go fifty miles to per.
form the ceremonies Of their religion.
Gifted with more than ordinary foresight
and inspired with a zeal 10 extend the in
fiuence OF his Order, Father Boniface was
induced to undertake the establishment OF q
Benedlctine Abby for the ed ucation Of young
men 10 America fol the priesthood. King
Louis j. OF Bavaria became enthusiastic over
the project, and when, after full discussion
four students of theology and flfteen young
men, skilled in various crafts. offered them
selves tor the journey, the King extended
then = hearty welcome. The party arrived
in New York on September 10, 1876. and in
their sojOurn received valuable counsel from
Father Lemcke, the distinguished associate
OF Prince Galiitzin. the pioneer priest OF
Western Pennsylvania. Father BOniface also
consulted the Rt Rev. Michael O'Connor,
the first Bishop of Pittsburgh, and finally
took possession OF the land on which st.
Vincent's Abby now stands in Westmore-
land county.
As early as 17s7 ana before It the Catholics
hac made Efforts to establish themselves in
the western part OF the State. Five families
started from Philadelphia about that period
and, after crossing the mountains By the
endurance OF iudescrioable hardshIps and
self-denial. settled in Westmorelsnd county
These pioneers were visited by the Rev
Peter Heiloron, pastor Of GoscheDhsppen,
who, In the fall OF 1883. at a place called
"SpOrtsman's Hail." In Unity township.
laid the foundation OF the first permaDsn u,
Catholic settlement-the present st. Vim
enE's Abby and College.